Calif. bill would let 911 dispatchers accept photos, videos, texts

A group of cities in California are moving to implement "Next-Generation 9-1-1" systems

By Diana Samuels San Jose Mercury News

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Someday soon, a person whose house is being robbed will be able to text 911 for help while hiding inside a closet or send police dispatchers a cellphone video of the thief driving away.

As a group of Peninsula cities are moving to implement "Next-Generation 9-1-1" systems that allow emergency dispatch centers to accept photos, videos and text messages that have become standard fare for many cellphone users, Rep. Anna Eshoo is working to advance the systems on a national level.

Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, recently introduced a bill that would provide federal money to help local agencies buy the new technology.